Exciting transformation is continuing at Western Dakota Tech (WDT) that will help shape the college’s future with an emphasis on graduates, employers, and the region. The latest enhancement is WDT’s new mission statement which will inspire and guide the organization.
WDT’s Board of Trustees has approved a new mission statement for the college. It is, “Western Dakota Technical College prepares students to be highly-skilled professionals through accessible, career-focused programs to improve their lives, while adapting to community workforce needs and positively impacting our economy.”
The colleges’ former mission statement was more inwardly focused. It was, “Western Dakota Tech is a public institution of higher learning that embraces quality programs, expert faculty and staff, and a commitment to academic excellence to teach the knowledge, skills, and behaviors students need to be successful.”
Ann Bolman, Ed.D., WDT President, is pleased with advancements made at the college throughout the last few years, which allows it to continue to expand its focus and goals. She thanks everyone who participated in WDT vision planning that helped in the development of the new mission statement. Those involved included WDT employees, students, program advisory board members, RCAS School Board Members, and local leaders including area employers.
“The new mission statement clearly reflects our understanding of WDT’s traditional mission, which is teaching and preparing people in our region to enter the skilled professions. Excitingly, it also reflects a refined understanding of the significant positive economic impact of WDT on our communities and region,” Dr. Bolman said. “Because of the great pay for the careers WDT prepares students for in two years or less, and the high demand for people with these skills by employers, everyone connected with WDT wins. And, we invite more and more people to our regional technical college and the incredible opportunities that wait for them in or near their wonderful western South Dakota homes.”
Western Dakota Tech has now reviewed and updated its values, vision and mission statement. This academic year, work will continue with the focus on setting a new five-year strategic plan.
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About Western Dakota Tech
Western Dakota Tech was established in 1968 and is the only technical college serving the western South Dakota region.
Western Dakota Tech offers programs in a variety of fields, including Business and Computers, Construction and Manufacturing, Energy and Environmental Technologies, Health Sciences, Legal and Public Services, and Transportation Technologies.
Ninety-nine percent of Western Dakota Tech's most recent graduates are working, continuing their education, or are enlisted in the military. [Placement information is derived from graduate surveys, faculty-collected data, placement surveys started six months after graduation, and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation. Overall placement rate is figured by: (responding graduates employed, continuing education, or in military service)/(responding graduates who are seeking employment). The number of program graduates are unduplicated by CIP code.]
Western Dakota Tech faculty, staff, and administration focus their efforts on helping students gain the skills and experiences they need to succeed. Through hands-on learning, internships, and industry partnerships, Western Dakota Tech students graduate ready to make a real and immediate contribution to their employers and to their communities.
For information about Western Dakota Tech, call (800) 544-8765 or (605) 718-2565 or send an email to Admissions@wdt.edu. Visit us on the web at wdt.edu.
